Navy Collaborates With Historians to Preserve Everlane Battlefield Historic Features

The Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) held a presentation hearing on September 4, 2025, focusing on the Kalaeloa Plan and Rules, with significant discussions surrounding the Everlane Battlefield. This area, located in the Northeast corner of the district, has garnered attention due to its historical importance.

The Everlane Battlefield was originally established as a mooring mass field in the 1920s for the Navy's large airships. As World War II approached, it transitioned into a Marine Corps air station. Notably, it was the first site attacked on December 7, 1941, just minutes before the assault on Pearl Harbor. During this attack, soldiers took shelter in a swimming pool under construction, defending against Japanese planes. The remnants of this swimming pool remain a significant historical feature.

In recent months, the Navy has collaborated with the historic preservation community to identify key features in the area that hold historical significance. This includes the battlefield itself, the runway outlines, and wooden warehouse buildings that are now recognized as eligible for listing. Additionally, structures from the Cold War era, used for surveillance and monitoring, have also been identified for their historical value.

The discussions at the HCDA meeting highlighted the importance of preserving these historical sites, ensuring that the legacy of the Everlane Battlefield and its role in American history is recognized and maintained for future generations.